Virgin Group has announced that there are “no more major hurdles to overcome” in its ambitious plan to launch a cross-channel train service, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Eurostar.
The project, spearheaded by Sir Richard Branson, aims to provide passengers with an alternative rail link connecting the UK to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
A Breakthrough in Rail Competition
Virgin’s plans were further strengthened after the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) confirmed that other train operators could use Eurostar’s Temple Mills maintenance depot.
Access to this depot is critical for any new entrant looking to establish a viable cross-channel service. Virgin enthusiastically welcomed the ORR’s decision, calling it “a green signal for competition.”
A Virgin spokesperson expressed optimism, saying, “We are very pleased with the outcome. There are no more major hurdles to overcome, and we expect to announce very soon.”
Virgin’s Vision for Cross-Channel Travel
Having operated trains across Britain from 1997 to 2019, Virgin is eager to return to the railway industry. The company aims to become Eurostar’s first direct competitor in 30 years by offering a high-frequency service along the same routes.
Virgin has outlined plans to raise £700 million in funding, split between £300 million in equity and £400 million in debt. The company intends to be the “cornerstone equity investor” by contributing a significant portion of the initial investment.
“The cross-channel route is ripe for change and would benefit from competition,” a Virgin spokesperson stated. “While we are not committing to launching a service just yet, we are actively seeking investment from like-minded partners and are delighted with the progress so far.”
According to a Financial Times report, Virgin hopes to launch the service as early as 2029.
Enhancing the Passenger Experience
In addition to providing more travel options, Virgin aims to create a more enjoyable journey for passengers. The company is expected to enhance the onboard experience, making cross-channel rail travel more appealing.
Virgin is integrating its booking system with Virgin Red, the Group-wide rewards program, to attract Eurostar customers. This move is expected to entice frequent travelers and loyal Virgin customers.
Setting up the service will be a “huge undertaking,” admitted Phil Whittingham, a rail project lead at Virgin Group. However, he added, “We believe Virgin is the right brand to signal a new era in cross-channel travel.”
The Race for Expansion
Virgin’s announcement coincides with efforts by Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, and London’s St Pancras railway station to increase the number of rail services between Britain and France. There have also been discussions about opening new routes to Germany and Switzerland.
St Pancras recently revealed plans to triple its peak-time passenger capacity, increasing numbers from 1,800 to 5,000 per hour. Meanwhile, Eurostar is already working to expand its operations, planning to introduce up to 50 new trains and more international routes to meet the growing demand for European rail travel.
Eurostar’s chief executive, Gwendoline Cazenave, has acknowledged the “race” to increase capacity, positioning the operator as one of Europe’s leading high-speed rail companies.
Challenges Ahead for Virgin
Despite the promising outlook, Virgin’s plans still face challenges. Eurostar’s expansion could complicate access to essential depot space, making it more difficult for competitors to establish their services.
Virgin and another competitor, Evolyn, have voiced concerns that limited depot access could hinder their ability to secure funding and order trains.
As a result, these operators have called on the rail regulator to intervene and ensure a fair playing field.
While Virgin pushes forward with its vision for a new cross-channel rail service, the competition is heating up. Whether passengers will see a viable Eurostar alternative by 2029 remains to be seen, but Virgin is determined to make it happen.
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